Fiona Hatfield, known for her gregarious personality, has a lot of real estate savvy. She knows how to make your house look its best whether you are planning to sell or simply want a nice show for yourself.

We all know that when someone visits our home for the first time that we only have one chance to make a first impression, the same is true when we meet people. A first impression is usually made within the first 15 seconds, believe it or not.

Mrs. Hatfield spoke about the elements which create the overall first impression of a home: " `Curb appeal' of a home is very important. Your property's landscape is not limited to the garden but encompasses everything from the street to your doorstep. Make sure that your outdoor furniture looks clean and fresh.

"A fresh coat of paint can be one of the best investments you make to increase the value of your property. If you don't want to spend the money to paint the entire house and your walls consider just the shutters and the trim and maybe the roof. This can be done on alternate years once you have it all looking fresh.

"In Bermuda we have many vibrant and beautiful colours for the exterior and colour is a personal choice. However, shades of white, off-white and very light pastels are the safest interior choices. You can always use your bright colours in your decorative accents such as area rugs and fresh flowers.

"Believe it or not, the smell of clean and or newness is positive. You can pledge your wooden furniture or apply a fresh coat of varnish to natural wood.

Just opening your windows and doors can be helpful too. If you are expecting guests the smell of home baked bread or cake is intoxicating.'' When people enter your home the entry or formal foyer is where the first impression of the interior is created. You can make a big statement by having this area tastefully decorated with a simple antique table with a nice lamp, a mirror on one of the walls, some small family pictures or art work about. If you choose a sparse look, a plain vase of fresh flowers on a small table is always nice.

"The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house and has a major impact on the value of your home. It is important for the counters to be tidy and the cabinets should be well maintained and well organised. The best colours for appliances are almond or plain white,'' Mrs. Hatfield advised.

Mrs. Hatfield knows her business of selling homes and was this year's recipient of the top producer award for Coldwell Banker, JW Bermuda Realty including its island affiliates abroad. She has been in the field for 14 years.

There is no doubt that Mrs. Hatfield loves her job and her enthusiasm sparkles. She admits that she is somewhat addicted to her work.

"For me selling real estate is like eating peanuts, once you start you can't stop,'' she said with a charismatic smile.

Mrs. Hatfield concluded: "I enjoy helping people find the right home. Real estate is one of the largest investments we make during our lives. I try to help people make the best buying and selling decisions. Prices are very high in Bermuda but there is always a shoe to fit Cinderella.'' She is happily married to Martin Hatfield and they have two sons, Stratton age 14 and Weston age 12.

Realtor, Fiona Hatfield